Spiral ties for reinforced columns

ABSTRACT

A SprialNet device is disclosed. The device is consisted by its number of spiraled bends according to request geometric shape of a concrete column, where FIG.  1  shows a SpiralNet for a rectangular shape frame of a concrete column. The spiraled bends are starting from point  1  to point  2  with 135 degrees, and continuously followed by 90 degree spiraled bends from point  2  to point  3  along a side of a concrete column, and from point  3  to point  4  along an adjacent side of the same column, and from point  4  to point  5  the next adjacent side of the same column, and from point  5  to point  6  the continuous adjacent side of the same column, and then finished with the last 135 degree spiraled bend from point  6  and to point  7 . The measurement of bends are according to any section view which is perpendicular to all edges. The device can be used to construct any shape of concrete column by assembling SpiralNet in a unique order.

[0001] The present invention relates to reinforcing designed to optimize reinforcement within a concrete column structure to be ultilized in the construction industry.

[0002] For many years the construction industry has placed the reinforcing wires perpendicularly to link the adjacent reinforcing bars to reinforce concrete columns. Around the time of the last decade, an improvement was made for cylindrical reinforced concrete columns by replacing the single reinforcing wire with a shaped wire. As a result, a significant improvement was made in reinforcement products with this new structure. However, all polygon shaped concrete columns, such as rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. have still not been changes significantly.

[0003] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a reinforcing tie for extending about a plurality of reinforcing bars, the tie being made from an elongate member that is formed to incorporate a single spiral winding that extends about, and translates along, an axis of the tie so that end regions of the member are spaced apart in the direction of the axis, each end region including a distal portion that is turned inwardly from the direction of the winding and a bend that interconnects the distal portion to the winding, wherein the end regions overlap so that the distal portions are also radially spaced apart relative to the tie axis so that in use, the distal portions are able to receive therebetween one of the reinforcing bars extending parallel to the tie axis.

[0004] In one embodiment, the rising angle of the reinforcing tie is substantially constant along the entire length of the elongate member. Further, preferably the distal portions are turned inwardly so that they are substantially parallel in a radial plane perpendicular to the tie axis.

[0005] In one form, the spiral winding incorporates a plurality of straight portions and arcuate bends which interconnect adjacent ones of the straight portions. With this arrangement, in a radial plane, the reinforcing is polygonal. Depending on the number of straight portions and the angle of the arcuate bends, the reinforcing may be rectangular, variable rectangular, hexagonal, variable hexagonal, pentagonal, variable pentagonal or quadrangular in a radial plane.

[0006] In one form, the tie includes straight portions adjacent each of the distal portions, the straight portions being mutually inclined and wherein the distal portions are turned inwardly of the winding so that in a radial plane, the distal portions project generally parallel to a line bisecting the angle formed between the mutually inclined straight portions.

[0007] The reinforcing tie in the form described above may be used to form a reinforcing net.

[0008] In one form, this reinforcing net is formed from a plurality of the reinforcing ties disposed along a plurality of reinforcing bars. In one form, each tie extends about the plurality of reinforcing bars with one end region of a tie overlapping the other end region of an adjacent tie. The overlapping end regions are an engagement with one of the reinforcing bars which is disposed between the distal portions of the overlapping end regions.

[0009] Preferably in the above arrangement, the overlapping end regions are in engagement with one another.

[0010] In another form, the reinforcing net is formed by arranging the ties side by side along with the reinforcing ties extending around different subsets of a plurality of reinforcing bars. Adjacent ties are arranged to extend around a reinforcing bar common to both of their associated subsets and wherein for adjacent reinforcing ties, the end region for one of the reinforcing ties is engagement with a respective one of the plurality of reinforcing bars with the end regions of that tie being spaced apart along the reinforcing bar. The other of the adjacent ties is in engagement with that same reinforcing bar between the end regions of the adjacent tie.

[0011] Despite the number of steel bars within a column, the invention provides reinforcement through a number of different shaped spiral structures to complement the respective design of each column. Similarly, by changing the shape of the reinforcement wire the invention can match any numbers of steel bars.

[0012] The reinforcing tie may be made of steel or material similar to steel or even plastic. For assistance with understanding the invention, reference is provided to the accompanying drawings that show examples of the invention.

[0013] In the drawings:

[0014]FIG. 1 shows an example of a reinforcing tie as it relates to quadrangular shaped concrete columns with 4 steel bars;

[0015]FIG. 11 shows a top view of the circulation of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 2 shows an example of how the reinforcing tie is placed into a quadrangular shaped concrete column with 4 steel bars;

[0017]FIG. 21 shows an engineering-style drawing, using letters instead of numbers for better description.

[0018]FIG. 1, from a manufacturing position, the numbers from 1 to 7 represent one circulation of bends to form a reinforcing tie (“hereinafter referred to as SpiralNet”), and the A, B, C and D represent 4 positions of parallel placed steel bars in a concrete column. FIG. 1.1 shows a single layout from a construction position. The length from points 1 to 2 in FIG. 1 represents the length “Ts” in FIG. 21, which aims to provide enough length for tooling access during the bending operations and maintain 135 degree bend from the adjacent side to achieve better strength. The position of the point number 2 represents the first side bend of the SpiralNet, and the position of the point number 3 represents the second side bend continuously from the first bend, and the point number 4 represents the third side bend continuously from the second bend, and the point number 5 represents the fourth side bend continuously from the third bend, and the point number 6 represents the last bend continuously from the fourth bend in one spiral. The length in point 6 to 7 in FIG. 1 represents the length “Te” in FIG. 21, which has the same function as the length in points 1 to 2. Both lengths in points 1 to 2 and points 6 to 7 provide the function for better positioning when assembling the SpiralNet for a complete spiralled wire net as shown in FIG. 21. The lengths in points 2 to 3 and points 4 to 5 represent the length “Sw” in FIG. 21, and the lengths in points 3 to 4 and points 5 to 6 represent the lengths “Sh” in FIG. 21.

[0019]FIG. 2 shows how four components of the SpiralNet are assembled together in order to form a spiraled wire net for a portion of a 4 bar concrete column and FIG. 2.1 shows an assembled SpiralNet in standing position as an example. The horizontal layout shows a manufacturing position and the vertical layout shows a construction position. In FIG. 2, all meanings of the letters described are as following:

[0020] L the total length of a fully assembled spiraled wire net;

[0021] W width of the assembled spiraled wire net, represents “W” in FIG. 21;

[0022] H height of the assembled spiraled wire net represents “H” in FIG. 21;

[0023] P pitch of each start point in repeating SpiralNet position in assembly;

[0024] G gap in between the end point of a SpiralNet to the next start point of a SpiralNet; G=P−Pb

[0025] In corresponding to FIG. 1, the “W” represents the distance of line AB & line CD; the H represents the distance of line AD & line BC. FIG. 21 shows an engineering style drawing to indicate how all factors relate to each other in this invention. The determination of all factors is given below:

[0026] W centre distance of each side of wire after bending, represents the width of the SpiralNet It can be selected according to the current standard width of concrete columns;

[0027] H centre distance between the top to bottom wire after bending, represents the height of the SpiralNet. It can be selected in the same way as the width;

[0028] Pb pitch of the SpiralNet from the first bend to last bend on the sane bar.

[0029] It can be worked out by: Pb=2*(sin Q+cos Q)

[0030] Ts tooling access at start point for bending operation, it can be found by Ts=Tooling access length+R

[0031] Te tooling access at end point for bending operation, it can be found by Te=Tooling access length+R

[0032] R radius of bend is determined by tooling, which is a range of less than the radius of the steel bar,

[0033] Sh Sh=H/cos Q determines side length of the height

[0034] Sw Sw=W/cos Q determines side length of the width

[0035] Q raising angle can be worked out by the formula provided below when the column has equal sides

[0036] Q=Tan⁻¹Ps/Ns*W) Ps is the standard pitch on the existing column according to Australian standards; Ns represents the number of sides in one concrete column, in this example showing as 4 sides and 4 steel bars, where W=H.

[0037] In the determination method in the situation of an unequal sides section view of a column, the longer side is used in the above formula as H. However FIG. 4 also shows an unequal side SpiralNet layout, in a case of W <H. In this case H will replace the W in the above equation to work out angle Q. The W remains the same when W=H in the same equation above. For example, FIG. 4 shows the SpiralNet double layout in rectangular shape with 6 steel bars, H will replace W in use of the above-mentioned equation to work out angle Q.

[0038] In quadrangular shaped columns the SpiralNet has many different layouts as generally shown in FIG. 11 via top views: the single layout shown in drawing 01, drawing 02, drawing 05, and drawing 06 are associated to FIG. 2.1; the double layout shown in drawing 03 of FIG. 11 is associated to FIG. 2.2 or FIG. 2.3; the multi layout shown in drawing 04, drawing 07, drawing 08 of FIG. 11 and drawing 09, drawing 10, drawing 11 of FIG. 12 is associated to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. The double layout in use only when the numbers of steel bars are no less than 6, in FIG. 4 shows 6 steel bars layout and 8 steel bars layout

[0039] The double layout aims to make the whole reinforcing wire net stronger. FIG. 2.3 shows from manufacturing position the dimensional variation of 6 steel bars in between single layout and double layout, which is the height of the SpiralNet The “Hd” represents the height of the whole column, and the “H” represents the height of SpiralNet. In this case, the “H” is always smaller than the “W”. FIG. 2.3 also shows how a portion of SpiralNet is assembled from manufacturing position of a 6 steel bars column.

[0040] To assemble a multi layout SpiralNet column, the detail is shown on FIG. 20. In drawing 17 on the bottom of the column is shown the first assembled level of SpiralNet. The top shows the first SpiralNet component of second level of the assembly. The SpiralNet goes through bar 4, bar 1 and bar 2, stopping for the second SpiralNet component of the second level to slide in. Drawing 18 shows the second SpiralNet component of the second level as it goes through bar 4, bar 3, and bar 5, stopping for the third SpiralNet component of the same level to slide in. Drawing 19 shows the third SpiralNet component as it goes through bar5, bar 6 and bar8, stopping for the fourth SpiralNet component to slide in, and the first SpiralNet component on the same level goes through all bars including bar 3. Drawing 20 shows the fourth SpiralNet component going through bar 8, bar 7, bar 9 and bar 10, so far the second SpiralNet component will go through bar 6, the third SpiralNet component will go through bar 7, and all SpiralNet component on the second level will go through all bars from 1 to 10 as presented in the drawing. The whole level SpiralNet will be adjacent to the first level at bottom of the column. The assembly process shall continue until the whole length of column is full. This method can be used to assemble any special shape column shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

[0041] Similarly, drawing 12, drawing 13 of FIG. 19 associated with FIG. 13 shows a circular shape SpiralNet and FIG. 14 shows its assembly in the column; drawing 14 of FIG. 19 associated with FIG. 15 shows a pentagon SpiralNet and FIG. 16 shows its assembly in the column; drawing 15 of FIG. 19 associated with FIG. 17 shows a hexagon shape SpiralNet and FIG. 18 shows its assembly in a pentagon shaped column; drawing 16 in FIG. 19 shows as 8 bar polygon shaped layout which indicates any multi-side polygon shaped SpiralNet with the same method.

[0042] By the use of a number of the SpiralNet the concrete column can be assembled in full length in any of the above-mentioned cases. 

1-11. Canceled.
 12. A reinforcing tie for extending around a plurality of concrete column reinforcing bars comprising: an elongated member formed as a single spiral winding that extends around and along an axis of the tie so that end regions of the elongated member are spaced apart in the direction of the axis, each end region including: a distal portion that is turned inwardly from the direction of the winding; and a bend that interconnects the distal portion to the winding, wherein the end regions overlap so that the distal portions are also radially spaced apart relative to the tie axis so that in use, the distal portions are able to receive therebetween a reinforcing bar extending parallel to the tie axis.
 13. A reinforcing tie as claimed in claim 12, wherein the elongated member is comprised of metal wire.
 14. A reinforcing tie as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pitch angle of the spiral is substantially constant along the entire length of the elongated member.
 15. A reinforcing tie as claimed in claim 12, wherein the distal portions are turned inwardly so that the distal portions are substantially parallel in radial planes perpendicular to the tie axis.
 16. A reinforcing tie as claimed in claim 12, wherein the spiral winding is generally circular in radial planes perpendicular to the tie axis.
 17. A reinforcing tie as claimed in claim 12, wherein the spiral winding includes a plurality of straight portions and arcuate bends which interconnect adjacent ones of the straight portions so as to be generally polygonal in radial planes perpendicular to the tie axis.
 18. A reinforcing tie as claimed in claim 17, wherein: the tie includes a straight portion adjacent to each of the distal portions, the straight portions being mutually inclined; and the distal portions are turned inwardly of the winding so that in radial planes perpendicular to the tie axis, the distal portions project generally parallel to a line bisecting the angle formed between the mutually inclined straight portions.
 19. A reinforcing tie as claimed in claim 17, wherein the straight portions are of non-uniform length.
 20. A reinforcing assembly for a concrete column comprising: a plurality of generally parallel reinforcing bars; and a plurality of reinforcing ties as claimed in claim 12 disposed along the reinforcing bars, each tie extending around the plurality of reinforcing bars with one end region thereof overlapping the other end region of an adjacent tie, the overlapping end regions being in engagement with one of the reinforcing bars which is disposed between the distal portions of the overlapping end regions.
 21. A reinforcing tie assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the overlapping end regions are in engagement with one another.
 22. A reinforcing assembly for a concrete column comprising: a plurality of reinforcing bars; and a plurality of reinforcing ties as claimed in claim 12, wherein: the ties are disposed side by side, with the ties extending around two subsets of the reinforcing bars with adjacent ties extending around a reinforcing bar common to the two subsets; for two adjacent reinforcing ties, the end regions of a first of the reinforcing ties is in engagement with a respective one of the plurality of reinforcing bars; the end regions of the first tie are spaced apart along the one reinforcing bar; and the second of the adjacent ties is in engagement with the one reinforcing bar between the end regions of the first tie.
 23. A method of applying shear reinforcing to a plurality of reinforcing bars for concrete columns comprising the steps of: locating a first reinforcing tie about the plurality of reinforcing bars, the first tie being comprised of a first elongated member in the form of a single spiral winding that extends around and along the reinforcing bars so that end regions of the first elongated member are spaced apart along the reinforcing bars, and positioning the one tie so both end regions are disposed about a respective one of the reinforcing bars with its distal portions extending inwardly from the direction of the winding.
 24. A method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: locating a second reinforcing tie about the reinforcing bars, the second reinforcing tie being comprised of a second elongated member in the form of a single spiral winding that extends around and along the reinforcing bars so that end regions of the second member are spaced apart along the reinforcing bars, both the regions of the second tie having respective distal portions that extend inwardly from the direction of the winding of the second tie and are so disposed about the respective one of the reinforcing bars that the end regions of the first tie are disposed about; and positioning the second tie so that one end region thereof is disposed between the end regions of the first tie whereby the second tie overlaps the first tie.
 25. A method according to claim 23, wherein the first tie is disposed about a first subset of the plurality of reinforcing bars, and the method further comprises the steps of: locating a second reinforcing tie around a second subset of the reinforcing bars, the second reinforcing tie being comprised of a second elongated member in the form of a single spiral winding that extends around and along the second subset of the reinforcing bars so that end regions of the second elongated member are spaced apart along those reinforcing bars; both end regions of the second tie having a distal portion that extends inwardly from the direction of the winding of the second tie; and the reinforcing bar that the end regions of the first tie are disposed about being common to both the first and second subsets; and positioning the second tie so that it extends around the common reinforcing bar at a location between the end regions of the first tie.
 26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the second tie is disposed laterally adjacent to the first tie.
 27. A method according to claim 25, further comprising the steps of: locating a third reinforcing tie about the first subset of reinforcing bars, the third reinforcing tie being comprised of a first elongated member in the form of a single spiral winding that extends around and along the first subset of reinforcing bars so that end regions of the member are spaced apart along the first subset of reinforcing bars; both end regions of the third tie having distal portions that extend inwardly from the direction of the winding of the third tie and are disposed about the respective one of the reinforcing bars that the end regions of the first tie are disposed about; and positioning the third tie so that one region thereof is disposed between the end regions of the first tie so that the third tie overlaps the first tie. 